One question that frequently arises among law students is what they are actually expected to know before beginning their first internship at a law firm. Most students work on getting good grades and building their CV, but they are often confused about the skills that law firms actually expect from an intern.
Because of this, students are not sure what they should focus on before their internship. Should they spend more time improving legal research and drafting, learning how to use legal databases, understanding commercial issues, or developing professional skills? Many students worry that they may not be prepared enough when they join a firm.
From the perspective of a partner or recruiter, what skills and qualities do you expect an intern to already have before joining a law firm? Additionally, what are the most common shortcomings you notice in interns, and what practical advice would you give to students who wish to make a strong impression during their internship?
Law firms generally do not expect interns to know everything. We understand that law school and practice are very different. What we do expect is a strong foundation, curiosity, and the willingness to learn.
The most important skill an intern should have is the ability to conduct effective legal research. An intern should know how to identify relevant statutes, locate judgments, understand the ratio of a case, and distinguish between binding and persuasive precedents. Merely copying headnotes or relying solely on AI tools without verifying the law is a common mistake.
The second essential skill is basic legal drafting. We do not expect perfect drafting, but interns should be able to structure a note logically, write clearly and concisely, cite authorities correctly, and pay attention to grammar and formatting. Good drafting reflects good thinking.
Interns should also have a working familiarity with legal databases such as SCC Online and Manupatra. They need not know every advanced feature, but they should be comfortable searching for judgments, tracing subsequent history, and locating statutory provisions efficiently.
Beyond technical skills, professionalism often makes the biggest difference. Being punctual, meeting deadlines, responding to emails appropriately, maintaining confidentiality, and communicating respectfully are qualities that every law firm values. An intern who is dependable is often remembered more than one who simply knows the most law.
One of the most common shortcomings I notice is that many students are reluctant to ask questions. They either hesitate because they fear appearing uninformed or they submit work based on assumptions. It is always better to seek clarification early than to spend hours working in the wrong direction. Another common issue is a lack of attention to detail- incorrect citations, typographical errors, or not following the exact instructions given.
